Kirshbaum to leave Amazon publishing unit

NEW YORK — Larry Kirshbaum, a high-profile publishing executive who helped Amazon grow its book publishing business in New York, is leaving the company on Jan. 17.

Amazon spokeswoman Sarah Gelman confirmed the departure on Friday, saying the company is sorry to see him go. Kirshbaum joined Amazon in 2011 and is going back to being a literary agent.

Kirshbaum, a longtime publishing executive who had headed Time Warner Book Group, was expected to help bring high-profile writers to Amazon. But with Barnes & Noble and other competitors refusing to stock books published by Amazon, there were few notable signings.

Gelman said Amazon's New York publishing office will continue to expand as the Seattle-based online retailer's overall publishing business grows. It also plans to launch new imprints soon.